Summary

On 9 January 2010, the pilot of a Cessna Aircraft Company A185E
floatplane, registered VH-ELQ, commenced the take-off run in
Tippler's Passage on a charter flight around South Stradbroke
Island, Queensland (Qld), with four passengers onboard. Immediately
after the aircraft's floats came out of the water, the pilot
reported 'feeling something hitting and vibrating on the right
float'. The pilot rejected the takeoff and landed the aircraft
straight ahead. The aircraft struck a sandbank and came to rest
inverted. The five occupants exited the aircraft; one passenger
received minor injuries.

Shortly after, a crab pot was observed within the immediate
vicinity of the aircraft. The pilot reported that it was likely
that the crab pot became entangled around the aircraft's right
water rudder during taxiing.

An investigation conducted by the Queensland Police Service
determined that there was evidence to suggest that the crab pot had
come into contact with the aircraft's float. However, where the
contact was made, and for how long, was not determined. A number of
differences were also identified throughout the course of the
investigation relating to the wind conditions at the time of the
accident, the position of the aircraft at the time of the takeoff,
whether or not the takeoff was commenced into wind, and the
location of the crab pots. These differences could not be
reconciled.

While the aircraft occupants in this accident were able to don
life jackets and exit the aircraft without difficulty, previous
ATSB investigations have highlighted the challenges faced when
exiting from an inverted, submerged aircraft cabin. In 2009, the
Civil Aviation Safety Authority issued a Notice of Proposed Rule
Making, proposing that each occupant of a seaplane taking off or
landing on water must wear a life jacket. This will ensure that the
availability of life jackets after the occupants have exited the
aircraft into the water is assured.